The kids are bigger which means more expensive stuff!!!
Zach wants a electric guitar with amp...you can get crazy expensive with that stuff but I found some great deals on top of the line equipment that is used. I would rather get him a top name brand piece that has been used professionally to learn on than some cheap student guitar. If he likes it and sticks with it, then we'll take it from there in the future.
He also wants a surfboard. We all do. Well, I want a paddle surfboard which is over $1000, and we are surrounded by the ocean and it seems ridiculous not to cater to that. Good used boards are as expensive as new ones, I've found. They just aren't out there. Surf shops around here are charging as much for used boards as the new epoxy ones. I work with several year-round surfers and one girl I am good friends with swears by her epoxy board. It is sold as indestructible. The wooden boards break I guess? And are more expensive. But the surfboard and paddle board business could be taken care of when I get my income taxes this spring. People here do surf year round but I would personally rather learn in the warmer weather and then if we love it, like I think we will, we'll invest in wet/dry suits, etc.
Kayla wants an iPod. She is the only one in the family without one. Why? Because she got $200 Uggs for her birthday instead! I already picked up a book and some scrapbooking stuff she wanted.
I ordered Zach some stuff from Old Navy and The Gap online.
I've bought Hayley only a few things and I can't even remember what they are. I'll have to look. She loves anything crafty. Pre-packed craft kits work better for her. The kits have everything she needs and she can stay organized that way. She also loves yarn for her knitting, but seriously, I want to buy her more stuff than just fancy yarn every Christmas...although some of that yarn can get darn right expensive!!!
They love gift cards but I leave those to extended family. Their grandparents and aunts and uncles give them cash and gift cards. The last couple of years, the girls got almost $500 a piece after it was all added up!
The girls love books as much as me and it is cool that they like used books like I do. I love new books too, but the used ones just have a familiar smell that I love and an energy about them that gets transferred from different readers. I don't know, there is just a history about them. Anyway, they get a ton of new books and quite a few used if they are titles they have been looking for. Plus, the one area where I am a pain about in this Reduce*Reuse*Recycle era we're living in, is paper waste. I have a hard time tolerating it. As much as I love books, the idea of electronic readers is miraculous. Think of all the trees and paper that will not be wasted!!! Think of all the storage spaces that will be saved! Of course, libraries are a wonderful, wonderful thing! I am so incredibly lucky to have had wonderful library experiences. Old Town, where I grew up, has a wonderful library, thanks to famed author Tabitha King, another former Old Town kid, who happens to be married to Stephen King! She has spent a ton of money keeping that library in tip-top shape! Thank you, Kings!!! They have also spent a lot of money on the Bangor library, where I spent many many days of my early adult years, with my young children in tow. One of the gems of Rhode Island is their library system. The state is small, but there are a lot of wonderful libraries and the beauty is one card lets you use all of them. You can even return a book at your local library, that came from another Rhode Island library. They also offer downloadable books and video. You just need to use your card. This is good for after library hours. Another cool thing is that the hours are long. In Maine, most libraries (except for Fogler at UMaine) close at the quaint hour of 5 or 6 and aren't open on the weekends. They might be open on a Saturday now, but I don't think so.
I still haven't received the book I am supposed to be reviewing. Maybe today!
I also need some rechargeable batteries. I have a few sets, two for my digital camera, and I gave some to the girls for theirs, but they are convinced their brother took them for his toys, anyway, I need a pair for my Flip video camera. I want to be all set for Christmas morning and our activities. We will hopefully be getting a tree shortly after Thanksgiving. The other Christmas stuff is going up right after Thanksgiving. Ohhhhh, guess what I just realized??? I will have the day after Thanksgiving off! The girls and I will have to go and experience the horror at Providence Place! As most of you know, I don't buy anything on this day, I just like to get up early and go watch the chaos, sip on some lattes and have some fun.
The cookies came out fantastic. Or so the kids say. They are kind of too sweet in my opinion. Very rich. The chocolate ones are anyway, and one definitely goes a long way. So maybe that is good. You can't eat too many at once!
I will be getting to Maine in a few weekends. Shannon wants a Christmas party and I need to see Allison and drop off all her stuff that she forgot here. And I want to do some Christmas shopping in Camden and Freeport like I have been doing the last few years. I remember one year, it must have been very close to Christmas Eve and Allison and I spent the day in Freeport and every store or shop we went to had cookies and hot chocolate and other Christmas-y snacks. We had a great time and had lunch at the Japanese restaurant in town.
I also remember another time and I was with Eric and Erin and we had chocolate martinis at this little martini bar/restaurant while shopping. Lynette and I once had frozen mudslides at lunch at Ruby Tuesdays in the Bangor Mall and then did our shopping. Some bad clothing choices were made on THAT day! On my part anyway. Okay this post is so far from my title of Christmas List!
I want a puppy! I've got my eye out.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
November 9, 2008
The kids and I are watching Rudolph today and I am making a nice dinner. Also making Peanut Butter Brownie cookies and Peanut Butter Blossoms (the ones with the Hershey Kisses in the middle).
I think I have discovered the secret to having one of those enviable holiday seasons. You know the people that are perpetually happy and doing all the holiday stuff with a smile on their faces? That has never been me, but I've always wanted it to be me. Sooo, I am getting into the spirit earlier than usual, while it is still fun and getting some of my big holiday shopping items out of the way now, buying some when I see it, some online and I got a lot of stocking stuffers already bought! I am sure a lot of you are like, DUH! But I don't think it is as simple as just getting my shopping done by July. You may laugh, but I know people that do this!!!
I also bought some magazines with some good decorating and homemade gift ideas. I am going to let the kids go thru them and pick the things they want to make for friends and family and take them to the craft store and make some stuff.
I also am very particular about my tree and how it looks and how it is decorated. I still probably will be, but I vow to be less anal retentive about the whole thing.
In reality, this will probably be the last year I have the three kids together. Kayla graduates. I'm sure she'll be home for Christmas break but she has a LOT of family she will have to visit. And then Hayley graduates next year and pretty soon, the kids will be married and have kids of their own for the holidays. :(
Okay, that train of thought just has me feeling sad. Back to enjoying this Christmas season!!!
I think I have discovered the secret to having one of those enviable holiday seasons. You know the people that are perpetually happy and doing all the holiday stuff with a smile on their faces? That has never been me, but I've always wanted it to be me. Sooo, I am getting into the spirit earlier than usual, while it is still fun and getting some of my big holiday shopping items out of the way now, buying some when I see it, some online and I got a lot of stocking stuffers already bought! I am sure a lot of you are like, DUH! But I don't think it is as simple as just getting my shopping done by July. You may laugh, but I know people that do this!!!
I also bought some magazines with some good decorating and homemade gift ideas. I am going to let the kids go thru them and pick the things they want to make for friends and family and take them to the craft store and make some stuff.
I also am very particular about my tree and how it looks and how it is decorated. I still probably will be, but I vow to be less anal retentive about the whole thing.
In reality, this will probably be the last year I have the three kids together. Kayla graduates. I'm sure she'll be home for Christmas break but she has a LOT of family she will have to visit. And then Hayley graduates next year and pretty soon, the kids will be married and have kids of their own for the holidays. :(
Okay, that train of thought just has me feeling sad. Back to enjoying this Christmas season!!!
Friday, November 07, 2008
November 7, 2008
I love my husband! I love my kids! I love my Sierra! I love my Jesus!
Most of the leaves are off the trees now. It is 65 degrees today even though it looks like it should be snowing.
I am so excited about Christmas. I haven't really had this kind of excitement in a long time. I did when the kids were little, but then it got so complicated. Now I have a husband that stays up late at night with me and helps decorate the tree naked (him, not me!) He puts lights up outside. We have a tacky gigantic snow globe for the front yard! Movies on Christmas night.
I love Thanksgiving too I guess, but this year, I am getting into the Christmas spirit early. My radio station is playing holiday tunes. I can't put a tree up until after Thanksgiving but that isn't too far away!!! I have been decorating my Myspace page for the holidays and it has helped get me into the spirit sooner! I bought some eggnog! Yum!!!
A perfect Christmas would be a puppy waiting for me under the tree and of course a plus sign on a pee stick!
Hopefully today the new book for my review will be in.
Most of the leaves are off the trees now. It is 65 degrees today even though it looks like it should be snowing.
I am so excited about Christmas. I haven't really had this kind of excitement in a long time. I did when the kids were little, but then it got so complicated. Now I have a husband that stays up late at night with me and helps decorate the tree naked (him, not me!) He puts lights up outside. We have a tacky gigantic snow globe for the front yard! Movies on Christmas night.
I love Thanksgiving too I guess, but this year, I am getting into the Christmas spirit early. My radio station is playing holiday tunes. I can't put a tree up until after Thanksgiving but that isn't too far away!!! I have been decorating my Myspace page for the holidays and it has helped get me into the spirit sooner! I bought some eggnog! Yum!!!
A perfect Christmas would be a puppy waiting for me under the tree and of course a plus sign on a pee stick!
Hopefully today the new book for my review will be in.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Loving
I am loving my new schedule even though up until this point, it hasn't been any different than past weeks. I have tomorrow off though, which is different. Sunday, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays off. I used to have Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. This schedule will be perfect in the summer. 4 days at the beach. Love it!
Anyway, I hope the book that I am supposed to be reading and then reviewing is in today. I'd like to get started on that assignment.
This day is kind of boring for news and blogs. The drama and suspense of the last few days has been a bit addicting. No news is good news I suppose.
Mitch and I had a good day Monday of shopping. Tuesday and Wednesday were a bit crazy for me with work. Today is quiet. Mitch is at work and the kids are at school. Tomorrow will be quiet, too!
Anyway, I hope the book that I am supposed to be reading and then reviewing is in today. I'd like to get started on that assignment.
This day is kind of boring for news and blogs. The drama and suspense of the last few days has been a bit addicting. No news is good news I suppose.
Mitch and I had a good day Monday of shopping. Tuesday and Wednesday were a bit crazy for me with work. Today is quiet. Mitch is at work and the kids are at school. Tomorrow will be quiet, too!
November 6, 2008
7 weeks exactly until Christmas! About 3 weeks until I get my tree. Still 55-70 degree days.
I have a shower to take, some errands to run and then kids to pick up.
I have a shower to take, some errands to run and then kids to pick up.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
November 2, 2008
LOVE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS!!! It was so nice to feel like I've slept in only to wake up and realize it is still 8 AM. I still have a day that has not been wasted. I feel rested. I woke up and it was light outside. I need to remember all this happy goodness when it is dark tonight by like 5 PM. Can't win them all I guess.
I got a cute message from Bailey last night. She loves and misses me and wants me to call her. She and Madison are certainly some of the people I miss the most in Maine. Her birthday is in December and she will be turning 7. I am having a hard time fathoming this.
I am drinking some gingerbread coffee this morning. Hopefully a little bit of blogging and a touch of caffeine will get my butt into the shower. I would love to do nothing today but I promised myself I'd get my nails done and over with and Zach wants a new game for the house. Not a video game. He wants those too of course, but those are waiting for Christmas. A new board game. We definitely need a new chess game, he wants Stratego and I want the new Monopoly with the credit cards. Banking was always the worst part of Monopoly for me...I am hoping this makes it a little more enjoyable and a little more fast paced.
Okay, I have wasted a half hour. Got to get in the shower.
I got a cute message from Bailey last night. She loves and misses me and wants me to call her. She and Madison are certainly some of the people I miss the most in Maine. Her birthday is in December and she will be turning 7. I am having a hard time fathoming this.
I am drinking some gingerbread coffee this morning. Hopefully a little bit of blogging and a touch of caffeine will get my butt into the shower. I would love to do nothing today but I promised myself I'd get my nails done and over with and Zach wants a new game for the house. Not a video game. He wants those too of course, but those are waiting for Christmas. A new board game. We definitely need a new chess game, he wants Stratego and I want the new Monopoly with the credit cards. Banking was always the worst part of Monopoly for me...I am hoping this makes it a little more enjoyable and a little more fast paced.
Okay, I have wasted a half hour. Got to get in the shower.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Happy November
I am so looking forward to being able to sleep in tomorrow. And the next day. And I am going to certainly enjoy the extra hour of sleeping because of daylight savings.
Big day tomorrow. I'm going to get my nails done. I am being sarcastic. That is all I have planned.
Big day tomorrow. I'm going to get my nails done. I am being sarcastic. That is all I have planned.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Also...
I don't know if I mentioned my new favorite thing...I am a member of audible.com. I love to read. Everyone knows this about me. However, there are times when I am doing things that don't allow me a chance to read so I have the opportunity now to download books into my iTunes and then load them onto my iPod. I LOVE this! I have the Bible loaded on my iPod. Honestly I can listen to anything with the voice of James Earl Jones! I have Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis...some fairy tales that were free to download, a David Sedaris book that I haven't had a chance to read yet, with him as the narrator. I've been browsing their other selections and they have a ton of Stephen King, Judy Blume, and other of my favorite authors. This is all good for when I am in the car driving, cleaning the house, running...you get the picture.
Other news...Teresa I received Flat Stanley. LOVE it! Oh my gosh, the kids and I are going to have so much fun with this! I absolutely love this idea. I will see how many places we can get him on the East Coast for you. Mitch and I are going to Florida in January so he'll hit the warm sun this winter. Maybe we'll stop in DC on the way and get some pics at the White House. And of course, he'll get a chance to go with us to NYC in a few weeks!
For those of you who are like WTeff? Flat Stanley Project. Check it out. It is way cool!
Okay, my Hayley girl is making me some bruschetta...gots to run!
Other news...Teresa I received Flat Stanley. LOVE it! Oh my gosh, the kids and I are going to have so much fun with this! I absolutely love this idea. I will see how many places we can get him on the East Coast for you. Mitch and I are going to Florida in January so he'll hit the warm sun this winter. Maybe we'll stop in DC on the way and get some pics at the White House. And of course, he'll get a chance to go with us to NYC in a few weeks!
For those of you who are like WTeff? Flat Stanley Project. Check it out. It is way cool!
Okay, my Hayley girl is making me some bruschetta...gots to run!
Happy Halloween!!!
Poor Zachie is miserable. He is so sick. I had to work overnight last night and Mitch is out of town. Zach texted me at midnight. At 4:30. At 5 AM. 7AM. Needless to say, I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. He still had to go to school this morning and cried when I dropped him off. He really can't afford to miss anymore school and he has been on antibiotics for a few days, so he isn't contagious or anything. He is just still sick. It takes about a week or so to run its course. Still it made me feel horrible to drop him off at school this morning.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
More October 30, 2008
I only have like 51 more posts to go before I hit 2000! Yay!
I was checking the weather forecast. It is chilly here but still only sweater/sweatshirt weather. In Maine, it is jacket and fire up the furnace weather. YUCK! Not terribly sad to miss that!
Tomorrow is Halloween! I should have planned some kind of Halloween Party for the kids. As it is, we'll have a full house anyway. They wanted some friends over to watch scary movies and order pizza. Zach and his friend Tom are going to go trick or treating and see if they can score some major candy. The girls and I will stay here and pass out candy. I bought some yummy good stuff at the grocery store. I should dress up but this is our first year in the this neighborhood. I'm not sure how many, if any, trick or treaters we'll get. Not sure I want to get dressed up for nothing. Too Miss Haversham for me!
I'm doing the overnight tonight and working all day tomorrow. Starting next week, my permanent schedule will give me Monday and Fridays off. I am hoping to pick up some freelance work. There is was a nibble from Boston. Work from home and only be in the office on Fridays. We'll have to see where my journey takes me!
I was checking the weather forecast. It is chilly here but still only sweater/sweatshirt weather. In Maine, it is jacket and fire up the furnace weather. YUCK! Not terribly sad to miss that!
Tomorrow is Halloween! I should have planned some kind of Halloween Party for the kids. As it is, we'll have a full house anyway. They wanted some friends over to watch scary movies and order pizza. Zach and his friend Tom are going to go trick or treating and see if they can score some major candy. The girls and I will stay here and pass out candy. I bought some yummy good stuff at the grocery store. I should dress up but this is our first year in the this neighborhood. I'm not sure how many, if any, trick or treaters we'll get. Not sure I want to get dressed up for nothing. Too Miss Haversham for me!
I'm doing the overnight tonight and working all day tomorrow. Starting next week, my permanent schedule will give me Monday and Fridays off. I am hoping to pick up some freelance work. There is was a nibble from Boston. Work from home and only be in the office on Fridays. We'll have to see where my journey takes me!
Jury's Out for Now.
I think I may be selling out. I often offer reviews of products, books or movies, fashion, food, etc. just because I like to read user comments myself when I am trying to make a decision to sink money into a new product. I like to be informed, so I just assume that others like to be informed as well and if I can help, I will.
Well...I signed up to be a book reviewer blogger and I am pretty excited about it. I will get a new book sent to me, I'll read it and then review it and then get another book and so on and so on. But pretty much this means that I will read a book and post a review and offer free advertising. For me being an avid reader though, a new book every few weeks is payment enough. Got me to thinking about other opportunities out there for product reviewing. I love trying new stuff so this seems to be right up my alley.
Depending on how things go with this new company, I may be posting more reviews than ever before and if it proves lucrative, then I will indeed advertise for them on my blog. Until then, the jury is out.
Well...I signed up to be a book reviewer blogger and I am pretty excited about it. I will get a new book sent to me, I'll read it and then review it and then get another book and so on and so on. But pretty much this means that I will read a book and post a review and offer free advertising. For me being an avid reader though, a new book every few weeks is payment enough. Got me to thinking about other opportunities out there for product reviewing. I love trying new stuff so this seems to be right up my alley.
Depending on how things go with this new company, I may be posting more reviews than ever before and if it proves lucrative, then I will indeed advertise for them on my blog. Until then, the jury is out.
October 30, 2008
Things that worked for this flu:
Mucinex (This really works. Quiets cough. Thins mucus secretions.)
Delsym (Love love love this stuff! Tastes wonderful and quiets cough for 12 solid hours!)
Also lots of fluids, rest and vitamin C.
Mucinex (This really works. Quiets cough. Thins mucus secretions.)
Delsym (Love love love this stuff! Tastes wonderful and quiets cough for 12 solid hours!)
Also lots of fluids, rest and vitamin C.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
October 29, 2008
SIX days since my last post? Hmmmm.
This was my second week back to work after my vacation. It hasn't exactly flown by like all of the weeks leading up to my vaca, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I am pretty certain my schedule change will make a HUGE difference in things.
Mitch is out of town this weekend. The last of the season games are this weekend. Then I think they have a few days of playoff crap in a few weeks, but I think once they lose they are done. They don't have to stay the entire time, unless of course they win. We'll then have Thanksgiving and once again get back on with our regularly scheduled lives! No more football for Zach. No more soccer for Mitch.
Mitch and I are going to Florida this winter. I am excited about that.
This was my second week back to work after my vacation. It hasn't exactly flown by like all of the weeks leading up to my vaca, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I am pretty certain my schedule change will make a HUGE difference in things.
Mitch is out of town this weekend. The last of the season games are this weekend. Then I think they have a few days of playoff crap in a few weeks, but I think once they lose they are done. They don't have to stay the entire time, unless of course they win. We'll then have Thanksgiving and once again get back on with our regularly scheduled lives! No more football for Zach. No more soccer for Mitch.
Mitch and I are going to Florida this winter. I am excited about that.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
October 23, 2008
I still feel pretty yucky. On the mend I think, but this cough and chest congestion is relentless. Probably another few days of this before it is thru. October is almost over. Just have to get the next 4 months over and I can start enjoying spring again.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
October 19, 2008
Oh Man! The flu has hit hard and fast. I was feeling kinda crappy yesterday, but around late afternoon and all evening, I was miserable. Still am when the medicine wears off. High fever. Cough. Body aches. Headache, my ears hurt. Lost my appetite.
Sounds like the flu to me.
Mitch will be home later. I hate when he is out of town. He especially hates it. Usually I am working so the time goes by fairly quickly for me. Let me just say, I never thought yesterday was going to end. I actually cheered when midnight came. I stayed up until 2 AM. Thought I'd be able to at least sleep a little. Tossed and turned and finally looked at the clock and it was only 4. I took some more medicine and it got me thru until 9ish. My problem is when I take my fever reducer, I spend the next 4-5 hours sweating profusely and in like a perpetual hot flash. When it wears off, I get the fever and chills back. Not sure if that is normal?
I finished Jodi Picoult's book Keeping Faith. Not quite the tear-jerker that My Sister's Keeper was, but entertaining anyway. It was thought-provoking, as is any story of stigmata is to me, even if it was fictional. Towards the middle to the end, though, I felt that there was a never ending barrage of new characters. In my opinion, there were way too many characters to keep track of and because the story frequently jumps perspective, I had a hard time remembering why so-and-so was significant to the story since we haven't heard from him since page 11. Still Jodi is a skilled storyteller and remains one of my favorites.
Sounds like the flu to me.
Mitch will be home later. I hate when he is out of town. He especially hates it. Usually I am working so the time goes by fairly quickly for me. Let me just say, I never thought yesterday was going to end. I actually cheered when midnight came. I stayed up until 2 AM. Thought I'd be able to at least sleep a little. Tossed and turned and finally looked at the clock and it was only 4. I took some more medicine and it got me thru until 9ish. My problem is when I take my fever reducer, I spend the next 4-5 hours sweating profusely and in like a perpetual hot flash. When it wears off, I get the fever and chills back. Not sure if that is normal?
I finished Jodi Picoult's book Keeping Faith. Not quite the tear-jerker that My Sister's Keeper was, but entertaining anyway. It was thought-provoking, as is any story of stigmata is to me, even if it was fictional. Towards the middle to the end, though, I felt that there was a never ending barrage of new characters. In my opinion, there were way too many characters to keep track of and because the story frequently jumps perspective, I had a hard time remembering why so-and-so was significant to the story since we haven't heard from him since page 11. Still Jodi is a skilled storyteller and remains one of my favorites.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Detox
I've been doing a lot of research on detoxing one's body, benefits, ways to do it, etc. There seems to be lots of evidence supporting the act. There also seems to be a lot of doctors and nutritionists that don't support anything other than a high-fiber, high protein, low fat diet high in anti-oxidants. It seems most don't want to even entertain the thought of Eastern therapy or any kind of holistic healing method other than their own pharmaceuticals.
Personally, I have always been a big believer that fresh or raw is better...salads, fruit, veggies, sugar, chocolate, tea, coffee. So I eat lots of fruits and veggies in the raw, drink green tea and take a daily multi-vitamin. Areas where I don't do well in are not getting my eight glasses of water in me per day and eating lots of junk food and even processed foods like cheese, pizza, take-out...
I am interested in this acai juice and psyllium fast I guess. I think everyone should fast every so often to cleanse the body on the inside.
Spiritually, fasting is encouraged across the board. For Christians and other groups, fasting is a part of a lot of religious walks. Jesus fasted often. I think there is strong evidence for a "Bible-based" diet...there were no processed foods back then, limited ways to store food, or cook it properly, so I think the foods the Bible promotes were foods that could be prepared easily and made to last without refrigeration. Meats, grains, yeast-free breads, wine, fruit and vegetables are spoken about at length at times. To me, that sounds just like a high-fiber, high protein, low fat diet high in anti-oxidants. So I believe God has instructed us on how to eat and when to eat and when eating becomes gluttonous. Exercise was also a big part of early man's life...there weren't a lot of high paying office jobs back then. So if you think about it, you would have to cram into your hour work-out all the calories you would burn if you had to manually work at everything you take for granted from sun up to sun down. Like carrying water to heat up to clean, or walking to a river. Gathering wood to make a fire. Planting and harvesting. Raising children and livestock. Not so sure my 3 mile jog or walk covers all of that!!!
Personally, I have always been a big believer that fresh or raw is better...salads, fruit, veggies, sugar, chocolate, tea, coffee. So I eat lots of fruits and veggies in the raw, drink green tea and take a daily multi-vitamin. Areas where I don't do well in are not getting my eight glasses of water in me per day and eating lots of junk food and even processed foods like cheese, pizza, take-out...
I am interested in this acai juice and psyllium fast I guess. I think everyone should fast every so often to cleanse the body on the inside.
Spiritually, fasting is encouraged across the board. For Christians and other groups, fasting is a part of a lot of religious walks. Jesus fasted often. I think there is strong evidence for a "Bible-based" diet...there were no processed foods back then, limited ways to store food, or cook it properly, so I think the foods the Bible promotes were foods that could be prepared easily and made to last without refrigeration. Meats, grains, yeast-free breads, wine, fruit and vegetables are spoken about at length at times. To me, that sounds just like a high-fiber, high protein, low fat diet high in anti-oxidants. So I believe God has instructed us on how to eat and when to eat and when eating becomes gluttonous. Exercise was also a big part of early man's life...there weren't a lot of high paying office jobs back then. So if you think about it, you would have to cram into your hour work-out all the calories you would burn if you had to manually work at everything you take for granted from sun up to sun down. Like carrying water to heat up to clean, or walking to a river. Gathering wood to make a fire. Planting and harvesting. Raising children and livestock. Not so sure my 3 mile jog or walk covers all of that!!!
Very Brady
I loved The Brady Bunch. I'm not sure what has taken Maureen McCormick so long to "come clean"...I am pretty sure back when Dad Brady came out of the closet so to speak, or was forced out, our bubble was burst, along with watching the public struggles of fellow tv stars from the Partridge Family, Diff'rent Strokes, One Day at a Time, etc, etc, etc...
Anyway, I am glad she's cleared the air for herself, just not so sure any of us are truly surprised but any of it.
I have a fever, cough, chills and congestion. I hate being sick. I am freezing and can't seem to warm up. Unfortunately, I have to drop Zach off at his school for a football game in an hour and then pick him up later, so going to bed anytime soon for rest doesn't look likely. I slept about 12 hours last night. That is about 5 too many in my opinion and now I have that hangover headache feeling on top of my illness. My ears feel like I have water in them, too.
Anyway, I am glad she's cleared the air for herself, just not so sure any of us are truly surprised but any of it.
I have a fever, cough, chills and congestion. I hate being sick. I am freezing and can't seem to warm up. Unfortunately, I have to drop Zach off at his school for a football game in an hour and then pick him up later, so going to bed anytime soon for rest doesn't look likely. I slept about 12 hours last night. That is about 5 too many in my opinion and now I have that hangover headache feeling on top of my illness. My ears feel like I have water in them, too.
Friday, October 17, 2008
October 17, 2008
Ugh! Only 2 days and 21 hours left of my vacation. I've enjoyed sleeping in when the occasion arose. I've enjoyed not stressing if I wake up in the middle of the night because it doesn't matter if it takes too long to fall back to sleep because I could take a nap, which I didn't do on this vacation. I've enjoyed not thinking about work. I've enjoyed not working, for that matter. I've enjoyed cleaning my house and being able to keep it clean for more than one day in a row.
I am not sure I want to go back to work.
I am not sure I want to go back to work.
October 17, 2008
Hi Teresa! I hope you and the baby are doing marvelous! Hubs and boys as well! I know, weird about the dreams, huh?
Speaking of the dreams, I think they and my God given gift of anxiety are examples of me and trying to figure some stuff out. I say God given gift because while I hate an actual panic attack and am so thankful that they are very infrequent these days, they typically mean I am unhappy with something or a situation in my life and I am refusing to deal with it consciously. I think God uses and has used my panic attacks to get my attention. In my dreams, I am struggling with the Devil. In dream books, the Devil represents power, control, etc. The fact that I always invoke the Lord's help in my dreams suggests to me that I DO want the Lord to have control over my life and I think I currently feel like I may have taken the reins back again. In my waking state, I have been feeling overwhelmed by the things going on around me. I think I am one of those types of people that emotional vampires can get an advantage on. I am currently working at a place with 5 emotional vampires and 2 that are but are unintentionally that way. They latch right on to my positive energy and after a conversation with them or sometimes just being in the same room with them, I am left feeling very drained. SOOOO, I have been trying to deal with it myself. And all that got me was a weeklong "vacation." I have spent the last few days in heavy meditation and will continue until my week is up. I am praying for some spiritual armor and when the Devil comes knocking, the Lord will be answering the door!
I am feeling more like myself today. The night before last and yesterday were probably my worst. I haven't had a panic attack in I'm going to say maybe 2 years. This one was mild considering the ones I used to have, but still uncomfortable nonetheless! Uncomfortable, yet familiar and almost welcomed, if that makes any sense. I knew one was lurking and was going to show itself soon, so I was glad to be "on with it."
I also woke up to an email from my friend Lynette. Lynette is Wiccan and one of my most spiritual friends. Our religious beliefs are vastly different yet unusually similar at the same time. She and I exchange only a few emails throughout a year, so it is significant that she should respond to my spiritual cry for help. I never wrote her or called her. I did post a mood change on my myspace, which I do daily. Just thought about her a lot over the last few days and she emailed this morning asking why I was feeling anxious. I dabbled in the occult before getting saved and I know that it is not for me, but at the same time, the Bible doesn't deny the power of the occult. It just warns us to not get involved.
Also 3 times yesterday, the same Bible verse was brought to my attention. Once in an email from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Once on a random blog I was reading while browsing yesterday...the girl used it as her blog headline and again in my daily devotional Bible. “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
This is very fascinating and interesting to me.
Speaking of the dreams, I think they and my God given gift of anxiety are examples of me and trying to figure some stuff out. I say God given gift because while I hate an actual panic attack and am so thankful that they are very infrequent these days, they typically mean I am unhappy with something or a situation in my life and I am refusing to deal with it consciously. I think God uses and has used my panic attacks to get my attention. In my dreams, I am struggling with the Devil. In dream books, the Devil represents power, control, etc. The fact that I always invoke the Lord's help in my dreams suggests to me that I DO want the Lord to have control over my life and I think I currently feel like I may have taken the reins back again. In my waking state, I have been feeling overwhelmed by the things going on around me. I think I am one of those types of people that emotional vampires can get an advantage on. I am currently working at a place with 5 emotional vampires and 2 that are but are unintentionally that way. They latch right on to my positive energy and after a conversation with them or sometimes just being in the same room with them, I am left feeling very drained. SOOOO, I have been trying to deal with it myself. And all that got me was a weeklong "vacation." I have spent the last few days in heavy meditation and will continue until my week is up. I am praying for some spiritual armor and when the Devil comes knocking, the Lord will be answering the door!
I am feeling more like myself today. The night before last and yesterday were probably my worst. I haven't had a panic attack in I'm going to say maybe 2 years. This one was mild considering the ones I used to have, but still uncomfortable nonetheless! Uncomfortable, yet familiar and almost welcomed, if that makes any sense. I knew one was lurking and was going to show itself soon, so I was glad to be "on with it."
I also woke up to an email from my friend Lynette. Lynette is Wiccan and one of my most spiritual friends. Our religious beliefs are vastly different yet unusually similar at the same time. She and I exchange only a few emails throughout a year, so it is significant that she should respond to my spiritual cry for help. I never wrote her or called her. I did post a mood change on my myspace, which I do daily. Just thought about her a lot over the last few days and she emailed this morning asking why I was feeling anxious. I dabbled in the occult before getting saved and I know that it is not for me, but at the same time, the Bible doesn't deny the power of the occult. It just warns us to not get involved.
Also 3 times yesterday, the same Bible verse was brought to my attention. Once in an email from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Once on a random blog I was reading while browsing yesterday...the girl used it as her blog headline and again in my daily devotional Bible. “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
This is very fascinating and interesting to me.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October 16, 2008
I had bizarre dreams last night and only ended up sleeping maybe 5 hours. I am up now and planning on staying that way in hopes of a better night tonight.
I dreamt that a spiritual entity was nudging me to wake me up. When I woke up, I thought it might have been Mitch. I rolled facing away from him and fell back to sleep only to be woken up minutes later with the same kind of nudging, but I was facing the wall and Mitch was facing in the other direction. Our backs were to each other. Had a hard time falling back to sleep after that.
Three nights ago, I dreamt that a possessed priest was trying to exorcise me and I was talking, but it wasn't me talking, it was the Lord talking thru me...kinda creepy.
And two nights ago, I dreamt that a big tsunami was swamping my town and even though I was in a safe place, I could hear everyone that wasn't safe, screaming and trying to get away from it.
I dreamt that a spiritual entity was nudging me to wake me up. When I woke up, I thought it might have been Mitch. I rolled facing away from him and fell back to sleep only to be woken up minutes later with the same kind of nudging, but I was facing the wall and Mitch was facing in the other direction. Our backs were to each other. Had a hard time falling back to sleep after that.
Three nights ago, I dreamt that a possessed priest was trying to exorcise me and I was talking, but it wasn't me talking, it was the Lord talking thru me...kinda creepy.
And two nights ago, I dreamt that a big tsunami was swamping my town and even though I was in a safe place, I could hear everyone that wasn't safe, screaming and trying to get away from it.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
October 15, 2008
I can't log onto myspace this morning...grrrrr!
My house is clean, my house is clean, my house is clean! Yay! It was reenergizing (that is a funny looking word) and this morning when I awoke, I went to the kitchen, grabbed my coffee and aside from a few dishes from this AM, everything is clean and orderly.
While at Marshall's in the home department, I found a nice looking wooden mail(?) organizer...not sure what to call it. It has a drawer, two shelves and a stand up magazine-like rack. It isn't huge and sits nicely on my countertop where usually we throw the mail. What a difference in my stress level! I threw out old bills. Only kept the latest of all of them. It is a place for mail going out, coming in and more importantly, stuff that has to be returned to school. That is the worst part of being a parent, in my opinion. All of the dang papers that need to be signed and returned. Times that by three and it can feel like a full-time job, especially with all the emergency forms that need to be refilled out at the beginning of the year. In my opinion, to reduce paper costs, that form should only be re-done if something has changed. If it needs to then it becomes the parent's responsibility to let the school know what has changed. I have no problem letting the original form I filled out stand.
My house is clean, my house is clean, my house is clean! Yay! It was reenergizing (that is a funny looking word) and this morning when I awoke, I went to the kitchen, grabbed my coffee and aside from a few dishes from this AM, everything is clean and orderly.
While at Marshall's in the home department, I found a nice looking wooden mail(?) organizer...not sure what to call it. It has a drawer, two shelves and a stand up magazine-like rack. It isn't huge and sits nicely on my countertop where usually we throw the mail. What a difference in my stress level! I threw out old bills. Only kept the latest of all of them. It is a place for mail going out, coming in and more importantly, stuff that has to be returned to school. That is the worst part of being a parent, in my opinion. All of the dang papers that need to be signed and returned. Times that by three and it can feel like a full-time job, especially with all the emergency forms that need to be refilled out at the beginning of the year. In my opinion, to reduce paper costs, that form should only be re-done if something has changed. If it needs to then it becomes the parent's responsibility to let the school know what has changed. I have no problem letting the original form I filled out stand.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October 14, 2008
My friend Jessy found me on myspace. Yay! I added her today. Her daughter Kami is the same age as Zach and they would hang out on snow days or school holidays when the daycare would still be open. This is going a few years back...they were both like 10 then. I was still working at the daycare. The daycare was still open. Jessy worked there too and eventually bought the daycare from the former owner. So good to catch up and we will hopefully spend time together when I visit in Maine. I will have to add them to my ever growing list. The hard part of living out of state is trying to see everyone when you visit.
Mitch and I are seriously thinking of moving to Arizona. Why you ask? We want somewhere different, HOT, good real estate, close to exciting places to see and visit...for instance, if we move to the Lake Havasu region, we are set up perfectly...a few hours maybe from Las Vegas, half-day from San Diego, LA, or Mexico. Close to the Grand Canyon. I just don't know if I can give up my ocean views and 5 minute ride to the beach.
Speaking of views, Mitch, Zach and I went to Black Point yesterday. Kind of sobering after you see the memorial people put up where those two people lost their lives. We were geocaching at the Old Stone House. Still couldn't find the cache and still couldn't understand the clue...of the five sentinels, one is still alive...wtf? Mitch and I also took a walk, or I should say, blazed a trail, in the woods across the street from our house. The land is for sale and not cleared, so we figured if anyone asked, we could just say we were looking at the property. Which was kinda true. Really we were just playing in the woods like I used to do when I was a kid.
Mitch and I narrowed down some of the aspects of my mood and really think the lack of sunlight in our present house is not good for me. We're currently looking and if we don't find one here that meets our needs and expectations, we'll try Arizona! Or maybe just try Arizona anyway!!!
Mitch and I are seriously thinking of moving to Arizona. Why you ask? We want somewhere different, HOT, good real estate, close to exciting places to see and visit...for instance, if we move to the Lake Havasu region, we are set up perfectly...a few hours maybe from Las Vegas, half-day from San Diego, LA, or Mexico. Close to the Grand Canyon. I just don't know if I can give up my ocean views and 5 minute ride to the beach.
Speaking of views, Mitch, Zach and I went to Black Point yesterday. Kind of sobering after you see the memorial people put up where those two people lost their lives. We were geocaching at the Old Stone House. Still couldn't find the cache and still couldn't understand the clue...of the five sentinels, one is still alive...wtf? Mitch and I also took a walk, or I should say, blazed a trail, in the woods across the street from our house. The land is for sale and not cleared, so we figured if anyone asked, we could just say we were looking at the property. Which was kinda true. Really we were just playing in the woods like I used to do when I was a kid.
Mitch and I narrowed down some of the aspects of my mood and really think the lack of sunlight in our present house is not good for me. We're currently looking and if we don't find one here that meets our needs and expectations, we'll try Arizona! Or maybe just try Arizona anyway!!!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
October 12, 2008
The girls and I went to the beach today. Beach day in the middle of October. I needed to relax by the seashore today, even if it was only for a few hours.
So stressed out today and the last few days. Work, home, ugh!!! It is everywhere.
So stressed out today and the last few days. Work, home, ugh!!! It is everywhere.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
October 9, 2008
I hate this mood I am in! Oh my goodness, I just can't get out of my own way. SOOOO glad I have next week off. I have an idea of what is going on with me, but man, I just can't say anything without coming across as snippy or short or downright nasty mean. My patience is out the window. Not good in the special education field.
It doesn't help that the five of us have been fighting off some kind of virus.
Tomorrow Kayla and I are picking up her senior pics that we've ordered and I am getting my nails done. That will probably perk me up a little.
It doesn't help that the five of us have been fighting off some kind of virus.
Tomorrow Kayla and I are picking up her senior pics that we've ordered and I am getting my nails done. That will probably perk me up a little.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
October 8, 2008
Not sure what to say except that God most certainly answers prayers. Not necessarily in an easy manner, but they get answered! My inner being has been so desperately in need of a vacation. Some personal time. To not go anywhere, though that would be nice and that is needed too, but just some time to do nothing. Be still. Hear Him. Be with the kids. Be with my husband. I find that on my days off, I am often times still at work mentally. It is the nature of the job.
Suffice it to say, five minutes into our meeting, my boss was disbelieving my "everything is fine" response...5 minutes after that, I start getting emotional and anyway, the meeting was good. I feel better getting "it" all out there, however uncomfortable that was because I hate crying in front of people, and she looked at me and said, "I'm giving you the week off. I will personally cover your shifts if I have to and I don't offer to do that for anybody. I can't afford, and more importantly, don't want to lose you."
Bottom line, as difficult as things have been interpersonally with some staff recently, everyone bends over backwards to help each other out and supports one another through these times.
So the prayer that was answered was my call for some time off. Some consecutive days in a row in which I don't need to think about anything. I believe I wrote about that desperate need several times in this blog but didn't really utter those words in a prayer until Monday. It was just getting to be too much. A year without any significant time off in a field with an extremely high burn-out rate is a long time. I think this week will help. I no longer need to remain full-time since Mitch and I are married. I needed to stay full-time to get my benefits, but now that we are married, I can be added to his (it happens to be the same insurance company) and it will probably be cheaper for us. I think after the new year, I will drop to part-time status permanently and try to roll with the punches a bit better.
I also found out a co-worker's mom passed away (yesterday I think). I'm not sure if this was unexpected or if she'd been sick, but I do know how close they were and that my co-worker is not taking it well at all. This particular co-worker has been very nice to me ever since I was hired a year ago. She is a fun lady and we always have a good time when we get the opportunity to work together or attend events together. I pray the Lord helps her heart through this process of losing her mom.
Suffice it to say, five minutes into our meeting, my boss was disbelieving my "everything is fine" response...5 minutes after that, I start getting emotional and anyway, the meeting was good. I feel better getting "it" all out there, however uncomfortable that was because I hate crying in front of people, and she looked at me and said, "I'm giving you the week off. I will personally cover your shifts if I have to and I don't offer to do that for anybody. I can't afford, and more importantly, don't want to lose you."
Bottom line, as difficult as things have been interpersonally with some staff recently, everyone bends over backwards to help each other out and supports one another through these times.
So the prayer that was answered was my call for some time off. Some consecutive days in a row in which I don't need to think about anything. I believe I wrote about that desperate need several times in this blog but didn't really utter those words in a prayer until Monday. It was just getting to be too much. A year without any significant time off in a field with an extremely high burn-out rate is a long time. I think this week will help. I no longer need to remain full-time since Mitch and I are married. I needed to stay full-time to get my benefits, but now that we are married, I can be added to his (it happens to be the same insurance company) and it will probably be cheaper for us. I think after the new year, I will drop to part-time status permanently and try to roll with the punches a bit better.
I also found out a co-worker's mom passed away (yesterday I think). I'm not sure if this was unexpected or if she'd been sick, but I do know how close they were and that my co-worker is not taking it well at all. This particular co-worker has been very nice to me ever since I was hired a year ago. She is a fun lady and we always have a good time when we get the opportunity to work together or attend events together. I pray the Lord helps her heart through this process of losing her mom.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
October 7, 2008
I am so glad to be home now. The day went so fast yet so slow at the same time! Good day for the most part. Busy. Tiring.
Good news for me! And Kathleen maybe! Mavis's church has a prison ministry for women getting out of incarceration at the state prison...she thought she knew of some women that needed literacy help...well, she in fact knows a woman that works at the prison that said they actually need help with some of the inmates in their family reading program. I have to commit to at least three books? Not sure how hard it will be so maybe three is a lot??? The gist is that I will help the women to read a book to their child(ren) on a tape so that they can read to their child at their child's home. I am waiting for another woman to call me about setting up a time to get "trained" at working in the prison. My guess is that that will cover rules of the prison, etc., to keep me and the inmates safe. I am so excited about this.
Remember my post yesterday? God is amazing. Always planning and putting things in place, leading me to the next step.
I have a staff meeting tomorrow. I'm indifferent I guess. This isn't a day program meeting. Just a house meeting. Blah.
Good news for me! And Kathleen maybe! Mavis's church has a prison ministry for women getting out of incarceration at the state prison...she thought she knew of some women that needed literacy help...well, she in fact knows a woman that works at the prison that said they actually need help with some of the inmates in their family reading program. I have to commit to at least three books? Not sure how hard it will be so maybe three is a lot??? The gist is that I will help the women to read a book to their child(ren) on a tape so that they can read to their child at their child's home. I am waiting for another woman to call me about setting up a time to get "trained" at working in the prison. My guess is that that will cover rules of the prison, etc., to keep me and the inmates safe. I am so excited about this.
Remember my post yesterday? God is amazing. Always planning and putting things in place, leading me to the next step.
I have a staff meeting tomorrow. I'm indifferent I guess. This isn't a day program meeting. Just a house meeting. Blah.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Ramblings
I hate when I get in a funk. I'm so happy with my life and with the people in my life, but still every once in awhile, no matter how wonderful things are, I get in a funk. Making me stop and think "am I normal?" Am I depressed? Maybe. Anxious? Not outwardly. Bipolar? I would think I would have more extreme mood swings, yes? I am never manic.
I think this baby business is getting to me. Everyone and I mean everyone is pregnant. It used to be so easy for me to get pregnant, back when the time wasn't right. I know I should be thankful for the children I have and I am so very thankful. I should be so thankful for the step-children I have and believe me, I am. That makes 5. Kayla will be 19 in February. I can't help but remember every single detail about my pregnancy, her birth, our life together. The smell of her sweet breath, her little body tucked into mine when I would have to lay with her until she went to sleep, her first years in school, her middle years in school, her last year in school...I just want my baby back. Nobody ever told me about the vast amount of mourning a mother goes through even though her baby lives and lives strong and healthy and grows up into a beautiful woman. I mourn every day. So evident is the growth of my children. I want them to be little again.
Anyway, this isn't the empty nest syndrome for me, I don't think, as our nest won't be empty for a LONG time. I really just want another baby. Our baby. To complete our little family. That is just part of my funk, though.
I miss Debi desperately. I miss our old church. I know the Lord leads us to different places and I should be so excited to see what He has planned next for us, but I can't help but be overwhelmed sometimes. And I am ashamed to say often I feel less than excited. Another part of my funk, you see.
I think I am still adjusting to the move. Not sure. We've been here over a year. Still adjusting to my new job, even though I have worked there for almost a year. It has been so hard to adjust to the job because there really isn't a "routine" even though I am desperately trying to create one. I want to stay home but this job is a part of my life forever, I think. To some degree anyway.
On some level, I think I am still adjusting to not being a college student. Do you ever get over that time in your life? I miss those times, those friends, having a goal and working towards it.
I am still adjusting to not being a part of Park Woods. Who knew a job in that community would become such an important part of my life and my identity.
I feel like I want someone to tell me what to do next.
In my experience, whenever I've experienced lulls like this in my life, it has been for good reason. God usually has some big things lined up and I've needed the lull before the "storm"...for good or bad.
I have found myself seeking out my faithful friends, that is my friends of the faith, and reading their blogs and their friends blogs and their friends' friend's blogs...some days it helps, some days it furthers my feelings of disconnect. I feel like everyone is moving ahead and has places to go and people to see and important things to do.
It is so much easier in the summer to ease a funk because I can just go to the beach and let the sun bathe me in warmth and I close my eyes and hear the waves and birds and families around me and I envision the warmth as being God's arms, keeping me safe and taking away all my worries.
Maybe I have Seasonal Affective Disorder? Never thought about that before. I love the fall. I love winter, too. But maybe it has nothing to do with whether or not I love the seasons as much as maybe I am sensitive to the shortening length of daylight? Admittedly, when I am tanning, even artificially, my mood is mostly peaceful. I haven't laid in the sun or tanned since the 8th of September...
This is a very large post of a whole lot of nothing. But yet it is a whole lot of something.
I think this baby business is getting to me. Everyone and I mean everyone is pregnant. It used to be so easy for me to get pregnant, back when the time wasn't right. I know I should be thankful for the children I have and I am so very thankful. I should be so thankful for the step-children I have and believe me, I am. That makes 5. Kayla will be 19 in February. I can't help but remember every single detail about my pregnancy, her birth, our life together. The smell of her sweet breath, her little body tucked into mine when I would have to lay with her until she went to sleep, her first years in school, her middle years in school, her last year in school...I just want my baby back. Nobody ever told me about the vast amount of mourning a mother goes through even though her baby lives and lives strong and healthy and grows up into a beautiful woman. I mourn every day. So evident is the growth of my children. I want them to be little again.
Anyway, this isn't the empty nest syndrome for me, I don't think, as our nest won't be empty for a LONG time. I really just want another baby. Our baby. To complete our little family. That is just part of my funk, though.
I miss Debi desperately. I miss our old church. I know the Lord leads us to different places and I should be so excited to see what He has planned next for us, but I can't help but be overwhelmed sometimes. And I am ashamed to say often I feel less than excited. Another part of my funk, you see.
I think I am still adjusting to the move. Not sure. We've been here over a year. Still adjusting to my new job, even though I have worked there for almost a year. It has been so hard to adjust to the job because there really isn't a "routine" even though I am desperately trying to create one. I want to stay home but this job is a part of my life forever, I think. To some degree anyway.
On some level, I think I am still adjusting to not being a college student. Do you ever get over that time in your life? I miss those times, those friends, having a goal and working towards it.
I am still adjusting to not being a part of Park Woods. Who knew a job in that community would become such an important part of my life and my identity.
I feel like I want someone to tell me what to do next.
In my experience, whenever I've experienced lulls like this in my life, it has been for good reason. God usually has some big things lined up and I've needed the lull before the "storm"...for good or bad.
I have found myself seeking out my faithful friends, that is my friends of the faith, and reading their blogs and their friends blogs and their friends' friend's blogs...some days it helps, some days it furthers my feelings of disconnect. I feel like everyone is moving ahead and has places to go and people to see and important things to do.
It is so much easier in the summer to ease a funk because I can just go to the beach and let the sun bathe me in warmth and I close my eyes and hear the waves and birds and families around me and I envision the warmth as being God's arms, keeping me safe and taking away all my worries.
Maybe I have Seasonal Affective Disorder? Never thought about that before. I love the fall. I love winter, too. But maybe it has nothing to do with whether or not I love the seasons as much as maybe I am sensitive to the shortening length of daylight? Admittedly, when I am tanning, even artificially, my mood is mostly peaceful. I haven't laid in the sun or tanned since the 8th of September...
This is a very large post of a whole lot of nothing. But yet it is a whole lot of something.
For Me
This post is for me mostly...a recipe I cut and am now pasting so I can remember to buy the ingredients today and make it for supper tonight.
1 pound ground beef or turkey
40 ounce can sweet potatoes, drained and rinsed
8 ounce can tomato sauce or 15 ounce can tomatoes
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons dried onions
1-1/2 teaspoons dry parsley
Hot Cooked Rice
This dish has a Moroccan flair. If you like spicy foods, you'll love it. If you hate spicy foods, then pass this one up for something more traditional.
First put your rice onto cook according to your preferred method. Next plop the ground meat into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat up into small bits, until the meat is well browned. Drain off the fat and rinse the meat under hot water. Return the meat to the skillet. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the cooked rice. Make sure you drain the sweet potatoes completely. I like to rinse them under cool water too, to remove as much of the canning liquid as possible.
Stir the mixture and break the sweet potatoes into smaller chunks with a fork or spatula. Add enough water to give the mixture the texture of thick spaghetti meat sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve over hot cooked rice.
This recipe is a little weird by American standards but it's surprisingly good, especially if you already like sweet potatoes.
Not including Rice. Per Serving: 376 Calories; 8g Fat (18.6% calories from fat); 16g Protein; 62g Carbohydrate; 7g Dietary Fiber; 35mg Cholesterol; 609mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Grain(Starch); 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 1/2 Fat.
1 pound ground beef or turkey
40 ounce can sweet potatoes, drained and rinsed
8 ounce can tomato sauce or 15 ounce can tomatoes
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons dried onions
1-1/2 teaspoons dry parsley
Hot Cooked Rice
This dish has a Moroccan flair. If you like spicy foods, you'll love it. If you hate spicy foods, then pass this one up for something more traditional.
First put your rice onto cook according to your preferred method. Next plop the ground meat into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat up into small bits, until the meat is well browned. Drain off the fat and rinse the meat under hot water. Return the meat to the skillet. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the cooked rice. Make sure you drain the sweet potatoes completely. I like to rinse them under cool water too, to remove as much of the canning liquid as possible.
Stir the mixture and break the sweet potatoes into smaller chunks with a fork or spatula. Add enough water to give the mixture the texture of thick spaghetti meat sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve over hot cooked rice.
This recipe is a little weird by American standards but it's surprisingly good, especially if you already like sweet potatoes.
Not including Rice. Per Serving: 376 Calories; 8g Fat (18.6% calories from fat); 16g Protein; 62g Carbohydrate; 7g Dietary Fiber; 35mg Cholesterol; 609mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Grain(Starch); 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 1/2 Fat.
Kayla's Senior Pics
At the very end of all the pics...past the Stone Carriage House Pics are the two black and white ones that are going in the yearbook.
Inside the Ruins
Fitting that my last name is spray-painted over my head! NOOOO, I did not do that! :)
The Stone Carriage House
This house is at the far left end of Scarborough Beach if you are facing the ocean. We hadn't taken the opportunity to explore it yet, so we finally did so last Monday or Tuesday.
Walking Down
Walking down the path to Black Point...we didn't go to Black Point only because a couple drowned there like two days before and they still hadn't recovered the man's body yet and we didn't want to be the ones to find it.
Friday, October 03, 2008
October 3, 2008
This Friday was definitely better than last! It isn't over yet and I don't want to jinx it so that is all I am going to say about that!
Watching The Family Guy right now and waiting for my family guy to get home from his soccer game. I didn't attend tonight's game. I know, I know bad wifey, but I just couldn't do it tonight. This has been an incredibly long week at work and I just wanted to chill at home tonight.
I have a stuffy nose tonight. I sneezed all day today. At least the sneezing has stopped.
I went grocery shopping tonight and actually STUCK TO THE LIST!!! Amazing!
In a short time I will be heading to bed to read a bit.
Late yesterday afternoon, the kids and I went for a nice walk on the beach and in and around an old abandoned old stone cottage on the far end of the beach. I have lots of pics. Not sure when I will post them. Soon.
Time to read.
Watching The Family Guy right now and waiting for my family guy to get home from his soccer game. I didn't attend tonight's game. I know, I know bad wifey, but I just couldn't do it tonight. This has been an incredibly long week at work and I just wanted to chill at home tonight.
I have a stuffy nose tonight. I sneezed all day today. At least the sneezing has stopped.
I went grocery shopping tonight and actually STUCK TO THE LIST!!! Amazing!
In a short time I will be heading to bed to read a bit.
Late yesterday afternoon, the kids and I went for a nice walk on the beach and in and around an old abandoned old stone cottage on the far end of the beach. I have lots of pics. Not sure when I will post them. Soon.
Time to read.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Ewwww! Gross!
If the link doesn't show up, the story is at http://www.wptz.com/news/17539127/detail.html
Disgusting! I would prefer not thinking about all the types of women this breast milk could come from. Unless the women want to live on a "farm" where they are forced to eat healthy foods, no smoking, drinking, doing drugs, drinking caffeine, or even having sex because yea, germs can enter the body that way and be passed on through breast milk...then I guess this is one bus I will not be getting on!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
October 1, 2008
I have tomorrow off. So grateful for that! I am going to clean the house, go to the post office, go to the library and try and just enjoy chilling out before it is back to the grind!
Right now I am waiting for Mitch to get home from work. I think I will take a relaxing bath before bedtime.
Happy October everyone!!! I love this month. After Halloween, the months zip right by...next thing you know, it will be February!
Right now I am waiting for Mitch to get home from work. I think I will take a relaxing bath before bedtime.
Happy October everyone!!! I love this month. After Halloween, the months zip right by...next thing you know, it will be February!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September 30, 2008
Today went by very fast, however, I got absolutely ZERO sleep last night. It was crazy. It was a productive day at work for me and at least two people. We had a great time even though most everyone was at the funeral. I think Roger would have preferred us having a great time than being sad and miserable. I would have liked to have gone to pay my respects, but some people felt it necessary that they attend, even though they didn't really know him, which was frustrating, because I had a nice friendship with him, but some of us had to stay behind and run the show. And really I got to spend more time with him on the Friday of his death than my usual, and I feel that is more important.
On a brighter note, Zach had a football game tonight. We are just getting back. I am feeling kinda guilty. I attend the games. I support my baby in all that he does, yet I am not one of those "crazy" parents, wearing their kids jersey and having tailgate parties...I mean COME ON! Are you kidding me? Yet a part of me feels guilty because maybe I should be like that? I am proud of him in so many ways above and so beyond football. I go because he's asked me to go.
Weird. I haven't heard the song "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" since I was a kid. My dad used to sing it to me when I was a little girl. He'd also sing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" too, but I digress. ANYWAY the weird part is I have heard that song TWICE today.
On a brighter note, Zach had a football game tonight. We are just getting back. I am feeling kinda guilty. I attend the games. I support my baby in all that he does, yet I am not one of those "crazy" parents, wearing their kids jersey and having tailgate parties...I mean COME ON! Are you kidding me? Yet a part of me feels guilty because maybe I should be like that? I am proud of him in so many ways above and so beyond football. I go because he's asked me to go.
Weird. I haven't heard the song "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" since I was a kid. My dad used to sing it to me when I was a little girl. He'd also sing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" too, but I digress. ANYWAY the weird part is I have heard that song TWICE today.
Monday, September 29, 2008
September 29, 2008
My schedule right now at work has the weeks flying by. July, August, September are now gone. I am expecting October to do the same. The good news about that is that soccer season will be over before you know it. Last September and October was just agonizing. I wasn't working then. I still don't like having Mitch gone so much during soccer season, but at least I barely have time to notice. I work Tuesday and Wednesday 8-3. Thursday off. Friday and Saturday 8-3. Sunday and Monday off.
Tomorrow will probably be a bit different. As is today I am sure, but I don't work on Mondays, so I won't know how things will be shaping up tomorrow. Like when is Roger's funeral? And after all that is over, and we get back to business, how will this affect things? We used a specific company vehicle to accomodate Roger's wheelchair. We won't be using it for that specific purpose anymore, which is where I come in...I used to drive that caravan and Roger on Fridays... so do I not start work there anymore? Are we all riding in the same vehicle now? Am I just heading to the day program myself?
Tomorrow will probably be a bit different. As is today I am sure, but I don't work on Mondays, so I won't know how things will be shaping up tomorrow. Like when is Roger's funeral? And after all that is over, and we get back to business, how will this affect things? We used a specific company vehicle to accomodate Roger's wheelchair. We won't be using it for that specific purpose anymore, which is where I come in...I used to drive that caravan and Roger on Fridays... so do I not start work there anymore? Are we all riding in the same vehicle now? Am I just heading to the day program myself?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
September 28, 2008
Mitch will be home today! It has been a long two days without him!
It has been a long week. Glad to see that it is over. Friday was such a miserable day. My only regret is that that would be the last day I ever spent with Roger and I didn't enjoy it. Of course I didn't know it would be the last day but when I was stuck waiting around in traffic, on blocked and flooded roads, and then again at Russell Ave., I had a feeling God was trying to tell me something. He gave me another opportunity to see Roger after I dropped him off because I still had the van keys and had to bring them back to the house. Roger was a good, sweet sweet man and loved going to church and loved God and I know he is free of his broken body now and smiling down on those of us who loved him.
My hope is that this week will be better.
It has been a long week. Glad to see that it is over. Friday was such a miserable day. My only regret is that that would be the last day I ever spent with Roger and I didn't enjoy it. Of course I didn't know it would be the last day but when I was stuck waiting around in traffic, on blocked and flooded roads, and then again at Russell Ave., I had a feeling God was trying to tell me something. He gave me another opportunity to see Roger after I dropped him off because I still had the van keys and had to bring them back to the house. Roger was a good, sweet sweet man and loved going to church and loved God and I know he is free of his broken body now and smiling down on those of us who loved him.
My hope is that this week will be better.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
September 27, 2008
So I found out this morning that a gentleman I work with on Friday passed away in his sleep last night. Goodbye, sweet Roger. You will be missed!
Friday, September 26, 2008
So Bad So Crazy
Today was so bad and so crazy that at this point it is darn near funny. Let me give you a run down of everything that went wrong.
Let me preface it by saying that it has been POURING all morning and afternoon and no end in sight.
I know I mentioned I was going in an hour earlier to help a friend out. Done. However, I woke up at 3 AM and could not go back to sleep, so my day started at 3 AM. I dropped two cranky kids off at school in the pouring rain at 6:30 AM. I got to work and was met at the door by overnight staff saying I couldn't leave until Person B got picked up by his brother which should occur at 8:30 AM. The problem with that is that I am scheduled to get person C every Friday at 8 AM. So now this favor is more than disrupting my schedule, it is now messing up the Day Program schedule. Whatever whatever, a few phone calls later and I am good with the guys until 8:30. 9 AM rolls by and person B is still with us. Placed another phone call and we were now set to stay put until person B got picked up. Finally at 9:15 AM Person A and I are on the road to get Person C. Am met at the door with a list of prescriptions (like 10) that need to be dropped off and picked up. However, Person B will only be with his brother for ONE hour and so now I have 1/2 hour to drop of Persons A & C and then go back to Newport to get person B and bring him to the day program. UGH!
Soooo, drop off Person C because Person A was misbehaving and so he was staying with me to go back and get person B. Get him and all three of us head back to get our group and have our regularly scheduled outing like every Friday. We get back to switch company vehicles and discover the other one has a dead battery because staff left the lights on. No cables. Finally tracked down cables and I am the only staff member that knows how to boost a battery. WHAAAAAT? No problem except it is POURING rain! We're jumped and running and off on our outing, plus have to get checks, meds and run another errand.
Finally back to day program to discover that other company vehicle has a flat tire!!! So I take it to the gas station for some air as it wasn't completely flat. IN THE POURING RAIN.
Day program is now over, so I go back to pick up People A, B, and C. Load them up and head home. Yay!!! We are on time. Maybe today is turning around! NOT!!!! Nobody mentioned to 2nd shift staff that because the girl I was helping out is on vacation, she will have to come in a half hour early. So I ended up waiting with People A and B because they can't be left alone. I am officially off shift at 3. It is now 3. I still have to drive thru traffic to drop off Person C and return company vehicle and pick up my own car. It is now 3:15. My kids have been done school since 2 PM and are waiting patiently in the POURING rain. Get just over the Newport bridge after paying a token and discover I still have the company vehicle keys!!! UGH! Mother-effing no good ever loving day!!!! So I RUN the token booth because I will be damned if I am paying yet another token after this day I have had.
I get back to the company vehicle and drop off keys, only to turn around and head for home. It is now 3:48 PM. The road I am on and have been on is now closed due to severe flooding. WHAT??? Kids are literally on boogie boards body surfing down the street.
FInally get my kids and am now home enjoying dinner at 5:29 PM. There is dance tonight and Zach has been asked to go by three girls. Not sure what he told them except that he is going??? I may not have to give him a ride home if the three find out about each other.
The only good thing I can think of that has happened today is that today is payday.
Let me preface it by saying that it has been POURING all morning and afternoon and no end in sight.
I know I mentioned I was going in an hour earlier to help a friend out. Done. However, I woke up at 3 AM and could not go back to sleep, so my day started at 3 AM. I dropped two cranky kids off at school in the pouring rain at 6:30 AM. I got to work and was met at the door by overnight staff saying I couldn't leave until Person B got picked up by his brother which should occur at 8:30 AM. The problem with that is that I am scheduled to get person C every Friday at 8 AM. So now this favor is more than disrupting my schedule, it is now messing up the Day Program schedule. Whatever whatever, a few phone calls later and I am good with the guys until 8:30. 9 AM rolls by and person B is still with us. Placed another phone call and we were now set to stay put until person B got picked up. Finally at 9:15 AM Person A and I are on the road to get Person C. Am met at the door with a list of prescriptions (like 10) that need to be dropped off and picked up. However, Person B will only be with his brother for ONE hour and so now I have 1/2 hour to drop of Persons A & C and then go back to Newport to get person B and bring him to the day program. UGH!
Soooo, drop off Person C because Person A was misbehaving and so he was staying with me to go back and get person B. Get him and all three of us head back to get our group and have our regularly scheduled outing like every Friday. We get back to switch company vehicles and discover the other one has a dead battery because staff left the lights on. No cables. Finally tracked down cables and I am the only staff member that knows how to boost a battery. WHAAAAAT? No problem except it is POURING rain! We're jumped and running and off on our outing, plus have to get checks, meds and run another errand.
Finally back to day program to discover that other company vehicle has a flat tire!!! So I take it to the gas station for some air as it wasn't completely flat. IN THE POURING RAIN.
Day program is now over, so I go back to pick up People A, B, and C. Load them up and head home. Yay!!! We are on time. Maybe today is turning around! NOT!!!! Nobody mentioned to 2nd shift staff that because the girl I was helping out is on vacation, she will have to come in a half hour early. So I ended up waiting with People A and B because they can't be left alone. I am officially off shift at 3. It is now 3. I still have to drive thru traffic to drop off Person C and return company vehicle and pick up my own car. It is now 3:15. My kids have been done school since 2 PM and are waiting patiently in the POURING rain. Get just over the Newport bridge after paying a token and discover I still have the company vehicle keys!!! UGH! Mother-effing no good ever loving day!!!! So I RUN the token booth because I will be damned if I am paying yet another token after this day I have had.
I get back to the company vehicle and drop off keys, only to turn around and head for home. It is now 3:48 PM. The road I am on and have been on is now closed due to severe flooding. WHAT??? Kids are literally on boogie boards body surfing down the street.
FInally get my kids and am now home enjoying dinner at 5:29 PM. There is dance tonight and Zach has been asked to go by three girls. Not sure what he told them except that he is going??? I may not have to give him a ride home if the three find out about each other.
The only good thing I can think of that has happened today is that today is payday.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Stuff
The meeting was fine. I got the kids squared away for tomorrow. I am ready for bed and am going to go read for a little while. All I have to do is get thru tomorrow morning (UGH!!!) and the rest of the afternoon should be a breeze and then I will be home again.
We are supposed to be getting BIG HUGE amounts of rain. 1-2 inches tomorrow and 1-2 inches tomorrow night. That is a potential of 4 inches and the forecast for Saturday says to expect "significant" amounts of rain...things could get interesting!!!
The kids and I had Burger King tonight. Blah. Didn't really hit the spot.
We are supposed to be getting BIG HUGE amounts of rain. 1-2 inches tomorrow and 1-2 inches tomorrow night. That is a potential of 4 inches and the forecast for Saturday says to expect "significant" amounts of rain...things could get interesting!!!
The kids and I had Burger King tonight. Blah. Didn't really hit the spot.
September 25, 2008
I hate it when Mitch is out of town for a few days. Hate it.
AND of course, I told a friend at work I would come in an hour early to cover for her because that was the only hour that was holding up her vacation. So that means, I have to either give the kids the day off from school or drop them off at 6:30 AM. The girls will probably take the day off, but Zach can't if he wants to play in his football game tomorrow night. So either he rides his bike to school, which is fine, but I don't have the suburban to pick him and his bike up after the game and it will really be too late and too dark for him to have to ride the bike home. Looks like Zachie will be going to school early tomorrow. Of course none of this ever any issue on the weeks that Mitch isn't out of town. Just the way things like to work sometimes. Do a favor only to have it turn around and bite you in the butt!
Things I don't mind about Mitch being gone are:
1. I can read in bed without feeling like I am robbing him of rest because I have the light on, even though he says he doesn't mind.
2. I can watch what I want on tv even though we always watch what I want on tv, I don't have to feel guilty about it.
3. I don't have to worry about looking "beautiful" for a few days even though Mitch says he loves no matter how I look.
That is pretty much it. Other than those things, I hate having him gone.
I also have that meeting from 3:30-5:30...Zach gets done football practice between 4:30-5 and I won't be able to get to him until at least 5:45-6 PM...I hate having to make him wait, especially after a long day at school and then practice. The kid is hungry and thirsty and dirty and just wants to go home and eat, drink, shower and do homework.
I am just feeling overwhelmed by stuff that I know needs to get done and I know it will get done, but I am going to think about it until the day is over. We'll probably just go out to eat tonight and make supper tomorrow night because it will be late when Zach gets back tomorrow night. The game might actually get cancelled. They are predicting heavy rain and we could get over two inches of the wet yuckiness. I hope it rains all weekend.
Have I mentioned how much I really don't want to attend this meeting? It is over-time for me though. I will get paid $50 for just sitting there and listening.
AND of course, I told a friend at work I would come in an hour early to cover for her because that was the only hour that was holding up her vacation. So that means, I have to either give the kids the day off from school or drop them off at 6:30 AM. The girls will probably take the day off, but Zach can't if he wants to play in his football game tomorrow night. So either he rides his bike to school, which is fine, but I don't have the suburban to pick him and his bike up after the game and it will really be too late and too dark for him to have to ride the bike home. Looks like Zachie will be going to school early tomorrow. Of course none of this ever any issue on the weeks that Mitch isn't out of town. Just the way things like to work sometimes. Do a favor only to have it turn around and bite you in the butt!
Things I don't mind about Mitch being gone are:
1. I can read in bed without feeling like I am robbing him of rest because I have the light on, even though he says he doesn't mind.
2. I can watch what I want on tv even though we always watch what I want on tv, I don't have to feel guilty about it.
3. I don't have to worry about looking "beautiful" for a few days even though Mitch says he loves no matter how I look.
That is pretty much it. Other than those things, I hate having him gone.
I also have that meeting from 3:30-5:30...Zach gets done football practice between 4:30-5 and I won't be able to get to him until at least 5:45-6 PM...I hate having to make him wait, especially after a long day at school and then practice. The kid is hungry and thirsty and dirty and just wants to go home and eat, drink, shower and do homework.
I am just feeling overwhelmed by stuff that I know needs to get done and I know it will get done, but I am going to think about it until the day is over. We'll probably just go out to eat tonight and make supper tomorrow night because it will be late when Zach gets back tomorrow night. The game might actually get cancelled. They are predicting heavy rain and we could get over two inches of the wet yuckiness. I hope it rains all weekend.
Have I mentioned how much I really don't want to attend this meeting? It is over-time for me though. I will get paid $50 for just sitting there and listening.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
September 24, 2008
It has been awhile since I blogged. Not sure why I took the break. The internet is so dang boring lately. I find when I am on, it is to just be on and I end up waiting to see if something exciting happens, which it never does. Could I have officially surfed the entire web? It was bound to happen eventually.
Work is work these days. I am excited about something in particular though, involving work. Crap! I just remembered I have a stupid meeting tomorrow on MY DAY OFF! UGH! I hate when that happens.
I miss Debi. I miss Sunday nights at church with her.
Kayla is making chex mix right now. The house smells yummy.
I just wish "something" would happen. You know. The "thing" that I want to happen. But hasn't. I am not so good at waiting.
I am currently reading Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister. Speaking of sisters, I need to call mine. She called me two days ago and left me a message to call her back and I have yet to do so. Blah. I am such a bad person.
Work is work these days. I am excited about something in particular though, involving work. Crap! I just remembered I have a stupid meeting tomorrow on MY DAY OFF! UGH! I hate when that happens.
I miss Debi. I miss Sunday nights at church with her.
Kayla is making chex mix right now. The house smells yummy.
I just wish "something" would happen. You know. The "thing" that I want to happen. But hasn't. I am not so good at waiting.
I am currently reading Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister. Speaking of sisters, I need to call mine. She called me two days ago and left me a message to call her back and I have yet to do so. Blah. I am such a bad person.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Blah!
This has been a yucky day off. Don't get me wrong, any day off is a day worth having, but I am so freaking bored. It is too chilly for the beach, even though the weather is beautiful. My stomach is achy and I am feeling a bit feverish. It is only noon and I can't wait to pick the kids up. It is so darn boring today. I tried to read. Instead I have just been messing around online. It is even boring in blog world.
I wish Mitch was home from work already.
It is days like this when I get the urge to disappear. Into the Wild. Like the book. I won't. And if I did, I would take Mitch and the kids and Sierra.
I wonder if it has snowed yet where my friend Terri is living in Alaska. She is in an extremely remote fishing village, teaching away, living and loving her adventure.
I am feeling a bit better after making myself a salad for lunch. I love any excuse to use this new to me brand of Greek Feta that is garlic and herb flavored. Yummy.
I also forgot my mulit-vitamin today. I am trying to remember to take it every day and am not doing so well. I want to be in good health for when we actually...take the next step...in our master plan.
The kids seem to be doing much better with me home every afternoon. Homework is getting done, the house is staying relatively picked up. Zach's football career is just taking OFF! I am so proud of his new behavior. He is doing homework without having to be hounded. He is making every practice. He, I think, is very proud that he was able to make an appearance in last weekend's game as a freshman. His coach is a bit militant, sounding like a drill sergeant, but I really don't think that is a bad thing for a 14 year old boy. Kind of like a mini-dose of Military School, and don't think I haven't entertained the idea of that alternative. There is no way I am just sending him to live with his dad. That is like taking the easy way out in my opinion. Mike would do fine, no doubt in my mind, with Zach, but he unfortunately has to work a lot of long hours and neither one of us really want Zach to be left with that much time on his hands unsupervised. That is just an invitation to get into drugs and alcohol and sex. We've made it this far with him to start making selfish, stupid choices now.
Weird how a blog post can take a turn of its own like that...let's get back to my being bored. Apathetic. That is how I am feeling I guess.
Mitch and I are working on and praying about a career in which we can work together. That will be exciting. I don't think there are a lot of couples who could work together, but I know we would be great at it. Between texting, calling and emailing, it is kind of like we're together all day now anyway.
I wish Mitch was home from work already.
It is days like this when I get the urge to disappear. Into the Wild. Like the book. I won't. And if I did, I would take Mitch and the kids and Sierra.
I wonder if it has snowed yet where my friend Terri is living in Alaska. She is in an extremely remote fishing village, teaching away, living and loving her adventure.
I am feeling a bit better after making myself a salad for lunch. I love any excuse to use this new to me brand of Greek Feta that is garlic and herb flavored. Yummy.
I also forgot my mulit-vitamin today. I am trying to remember to take it every day and am not doing so well. I want to be in good health for when we actually...take the next step...in our master plan.
The kids seem to be doing much better with me home every afternoon. Homework is getting done, the house is staying relatively picked up. Zach's football career is just taking OFF! I am so proud of his new behavior. He is doing homework without having to be hounded. He is making every practice. He, I think, is very proud that he was able to make an appearance in last weekend's game as a freshman. His coach is a bit militant, sounding like a drill sergeant, but I really don't think that is a bad thing for a 14 year old boy. Kind of like a mini-dose of Military School, and don't think I haven't entertained the idea of that alternative. There is no way I am just sending him to live with his dad. That is like taking the easy way out in my opinion. Mike would do fine, no doubt in my mind, with Zach, but he unfortunately has to work a lot of long hours and neither one of us really want Zach to be left with that much time on his hands unsupervised. That is just an invitation to get into drugs and alcohol and sex. We've made it this far with him to start making selfish, stupid choices now.
Weird how a blog post can take a turn of its own like that...let's get back to my being bored. Apathetic. That is how I am feeling I guess.
Mitch and I are working on and praying about a career in which we can work together. That will be exciting. I don't think there are a lot of couples who could work together, but I know we would be great at it. Between texting, calling and emailing, it is kind of like we're together all day now anyway.
September 18, 2008
It is CHILLY this morning!!! BRRRR!
It is so nice to have the house to myself for a little while today. Just Sierra and me. Kids are in school and Mitch is at work.
Still watching more of the Ike aftermath...can you imagine not being ALLOWED to go to your house to collect belongings or see what is left or just go back home? I would have a hard time with the road blocks and authorities telling me I wasn't allowed to go to the site. And they are doing what exactly? It isn't like they are personally cleaning and restoring everyones homes. I think it is the homeowner/landowners right to be able to survey damages so they can file insurance claims, etc and salvage what valuables they can...
I bought two new movies yesterday. I haven't watched them yet. I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and Walk Hard.
Almost done A Million Little Pieces. It is good. I guess I can't really say that it is the most profound thing I have ever read. I can relate to his withdrawal symptoms, not because I am in any way an addict, but because they are very similar to the symptoms I was having when I was dealing with a severe and debilitating anxiety disorder. It is easy for me to see how one could turn to self-medicating if that was the only way they found relief from those feelings, or other overwhelming feelings of anger, depression, shame, whatever. I thank the Lord that when I was in the midst of my crisis, I had support and found the "right" people at the right time that were able to help me and get me through it and I didn't turn to drugs and alcohol first.
It is so nice to have the house to myself for a little while today. Just Sierra and me. Kids are in school and Mitch is at work.
Still watching more of the Ike aftermath...can you imagine not being ALLOWED to go to your house to collect belongings or see what is left or just go back home? I would have a hard time with the road blocks and authorities telling me I wasn't allowed to go to the site. And they are doing what exactly? It isn't like they are personally cleaning and restoring everyones homes. I think it is the homeowner/landowners right to be able to survey damages so they can file insurance claims, etc and salvage what valuables they can...
I bought two new movies yesterday. I haven't watched them yet. I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and Walk Hard.
Almost done A Million Little Pieces. It is good. I guess I can't really say that it is the most profound thing I have ever read. I can relate to his withdrawal symptoms, not because I am in any way an addict, but because they are very similar to the symptoms I was having when I was dealing with a severe and debilitating anxiety disorder. It is easy for me to see how one could turn to self-medicating if that was the only way they found relief from those feelings, or other overwhelming feelings of anger, depression, shame, whatever. I thank the Lord that when I was in the midst of my crisis, I had support and found the "right" people at the right time that were able to help me and get me through it and I didn't turn to drugs and alcohol first.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
September 17, 2008
I am tired tonight. Work on Wednesdays is tough. It is very mentally challenging.
I have to pick up Zach at football practice in about a half hour so let's see if I can get this blog off.
Some people I know of from people I know are going to be without power for about another 3 weeks. Theirs was a particularly hard hit area of Texas. Right smack in the eye of the storm from what I've been told. Three hour waits for food, ice, etc...can you imagine? But they are positive Christians and I am sure that God will use them for wonderful things during this time. Still just the same, let's just pray for all the people that are affected by this recent storm. Really put yourselves in their place...no tv updates, no showers (hot anyway), no air conditioners, no hair dryers, no freezers, little food, low supplies, outrageous gas prices...you probably think it is odd that I throw the hair dryer in the mix, but sometimes it is the little conveniences that you miss the most, that can make things bearable or not. You know? For that matter, microwaves, coffee pots, internet, stoves...kind of like a permanent camping vacation.
The closest we ever came to anything like that was during a major ice storm in Maine in 1998. Penobscot county was without power for almost two weeks. Some even longer. Mainers were more prepared I think because we all pretty much use alternatives to fuel as back up anyway...ie...woodstoves, fireplaces, pellet stoves...and a lot of Mainers, my family included, had access to generators and we got thru. Using as little fuel as possible, making due, helping neighbors because many roads were impassable. Crews from as far south as North Carolina came up to help restore power lines. Lots of restaurants were offering free and reduced food prices. School had been on February vacation, but ended up getting an additional week off from school. Even with all that stuff going on around us, we managed to have a good time. My three and Meghan spent the time with my grandparents out to the lake. We were fed, warm, able to take showers and watch the little tv that my grandfather would let us hook up to the generator for a few hours at night. Other than that, we played games, the kids played outside, and we just made memories that the kids will remember when they are grandparents themselves.
Still I can imagine the frustration many Texans are feeling right now and honestly, I think I would pack up and head out of state to ride it out and come back after power was restored. I'm not sure I have it in me anymore to weather a disaster of that magnitude.
If anything, let it be a reminder to not take our conveniences for granted.
I have to pick up Zach at football practice in about a half hour so let's see if I can get this blog off.
Some people I know of from people I know are going to be without power for about another 3 weeks. Theirs was a particularly hard hit area of Texas. Right smack in the eye of the storm from what I've been told. Three hour waits for food, ice, etc...can you imagine? But they are positive Christians and I am sure that God will use them for wonderful things during this time. Still just the same, let's just pray for all the people that are affected by this recent storm. Really put yourselves in their place...no tv updates, no showers (hot anyway), no air conditioners, no hair dryers, no freezers, little food, low supplies, outrageous gas prices...you probably think it is odd that I throw the hair dryer in the mix, but sometimes it is the little conveniences that you miss the most, that can make things bearable or not. You know? For that matter, microwaves, coffee pots, internet, stoves...kind of like a permanent camping vacation.
The closest we ever came to anything like that was during a major ice storm in Maine in 1998. Penobscot county was without power for almost two weeks. Some even longer. Mainers were more prepared I think because we all pretty much use alternatives to fuel as back up anyway...ie...woodstoves, fireplaces, pellet stoves...and a lot of Mainers, my family included, had access to generators and we got thru. Using as little fuel as possible, making due, helping neighbors because many roads were impassable. Crews from as far south as North Carolina came up to help restore power lines. Lots of restaurants were offering free and reduced food prices. School had been on February vacation, but ended up getting an additional week off from school. Even with all that stuff going on around us, we managed to have a good time. My three and Meghan spent the time with my grandparents out to the lake. We were fed, warm, able to take showers and watch the little tv that my grandfather would let us hook up to the generator for a few hours at night. Other than that, we played games, the kids played outside, and we just made memories that the kids will remember when they are grandparents themselves.
Still I can imagine the frustration many Texans are feeling right now and honestly, I think I would pack up and head out of state to ride it out and come back after power was restored. I'm not sure I have it in me anymore to weather a disaster of that magnitude.
If anything, let it be a reminder to not take our conveniences for granted.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ALSO
Two new favorite songs with two new favorite bands...
Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon
Handlebars by The Flobots
checkem out!
Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon
Handlebars by The Flobots
checkem out!
September 16, 2008
I am so glad I am home right now doing nothing!!! It feels good to just sit here on the couch. Today was an exciting day at work but draining. My ear is bothering me pretty bad at different times of the day...usually early morning and again when I am trying to sleep. I bought drugs for tonight. My doctor's appointment is on my day off Thursday. I hope I can make it that long. Other "things" at work seem to be getting better.
Wow! I am eating red pepper on my dinner this evening and I just bit into an incredibly spicy part. OMGosh!!! My tongue is actually tingling. I love spicy foods. I have to laugh when people of hispanic or Indian decent think they have the hottest foods...I have to say, they have nothing on two friends I have from Africa. One lives in Bangor now and one lives in Pawtucket. Both cook or have cooked similar recipes for me and OMGOSH!!! I have never, never experienced hotness like that and they eat it without batting a pretty eyelash, while I am literally sweating because the food is so hot!
So I am reading James Frey's A Million Little Pieces. I purposely did not read it because of all the hype it was getting, first good hype then extremely bad press especially from Oprah herself. Mind you, I read what I want regardless of press or hype, good or bad reviews, however, I found it difficult to just concentrate on the book without thinking this author is lying. For me to enjoy a story, I place a lot of trust in the author. Trust that the story will develop and provide the proper twists and turns and at the very least conclude efficiently, whether that story be fiction or non-fiction. This situation was unique because it was marketed as non-fiction, and later turned out to be completely fiction, with a whole lot of bad press. I kind of just washed my hands of the whole thing as was like, Let this be the one book I don't read. I found the book again the other day and was like, What the heck. I know it is fiction now and can enjoy it as such. I have no expectations and let's just go for the ride. So far, it is an excellent read. I guess I am just left wondering why he didn't market it as fiction in the first place. The story speaks for itself.
Wow! I am eating red pepper on my dinner this evening and I just bit into an incredibly spicy part. OMGosh!!! My tongue is actually tingling. I love spicy foods. I have to laugh when people of hispanic or Indian decent think they have the hottest foods...I have to say, they have nothing on two friends I have from Africa. One lives in Bangor now and one lives in Pawtucket. Both cook or have cooked similar recipes for me and OMGOSH!!! I have never, never experienced hotness like that and they eat it without batting a pretty eyelash, while I am literally sweating because the food is so hot!
So I am reading James Frey's A Million Little Pieces. I purposely did not read it because of all the hype it was getting, first good hype then extremely bad press especially from Oprah herself. Mind you, I read what I want regardless of press or hype, good or bad reviews, however, I found it difficult to just concentrate on the book without thinking this author is lying. For me to enjoy a story, I place a lot of trust in the author. Trust that the story will develop and provide the proper twists and turns and at the very least conclude efficiently, whether that story be fiction or non-fiction. This situation was unique because it was marketed as non-fiction, and later turned out to be completely fiction, with a whole lot of bad press. I kind of just washed my hands of the whole thing as was like, Let this be the one book I don't read. I found the book again the other day and was like, What the heck. I know it is fiction now and can enjoy it as such. I have no expectations and let's just go for the ride. So far, it is an excellent read. I guess I am just left wondering why he didn't market it as fiction in the first place. The story speaks for itself.
Monday, September 15, 2008
September 15, 2008
So I am officially Mrs. Jennifer Stone. It has been a crazy week and I haven't quite got my head wrapped around it all yet.
We brought Allison to the bus depot in Providence at 3 AM this morning. We came back and slept until around 10 AM. It was good to sleep in, but I haven't been sleeping well at all. Lots of tossing and turning. I just can't get comfortable. Plus this swimmer's ear thing I have going on is driving me CRAZY!
There was so much I wanted to get done today but just lacked the energy and motivation, although Mitch and I did clean the house. The only thing bad about company is their extra stuff they bring (luggage, etc.) clutters the house up. When we get a new house, it will most definitely have a guest room and guest bathroom. I have discovered that while guest rooms are a nice gift to the guest, it is a bigger gift to the homeowners.
I just desperately want to take some time off. Time away. Not sure what I want time away from. Me, I think. I know once I get back to work tomorrow, I will be energized again. Mavis and Kathleen should both be back from vacation.
I actually had a nice conversation with my mom yesterday. It has been a long time since we just talked. About our relationship. About me still be her baby girl. Lately it has been how things are going, how the kids are and how my brothers and sister and their kids are...tense and short conversations. Not that yesterday's was terribly long, but it was a quality conversation.
Zach played 8 plays in his first varsity football game. A big deal for a freshman!!! I am so proud of him! I really didn't think he'd be put in until probably late in the season in a game that didn't much matter. Hayley played clarinet in the marching band at the game. It was a good time. She did a super job. Kayla got her hair cut! The shortest she's ever cut it. Just below her chin. It is cute. I like it better when she leaves it curly instead of when she straightens it.
We bought Baby Mama over the weekend. It is not as good as I had planned on it being. Pretty much all the funny parts were already seen in the trailers. AND I guess I am surprised that everyone is surprised that Tina Fey makes a good Sarah Palin. Did people really not see that coming? I am more surprised she came back to SNL.
More on Sarah Palin...I know I said I liked her, and I still do, but I have to admit that upon further reading her views on conservation and global warming, we are not in alignment. I wouldn't even call her views (on this subject) conservative. I would call them ill-informed and even dangerous. The fact that she is on record saying she can't blame the changes of our environment on humans left me feeling like WTF? How can our gazillion tons of trash and pollution NOT have an effect on our environment??? I am sure she is thinking correlation doesn't necessarily mean causation, but sometimes you just have to use common-sense and err on the side of the greater good.
We brought Allison to the bus depot in Providence at 3 AM this morning. We came back and slept until around 10 AM. It was good to sleep in, but I haven't been sleeping well at all. Lots of tossing and turning. I just can't get comfortable. Plus this swimmer's ear thing I have going on is driving me CRAZY!
There was so much I wanted to get done today but just lacked the energy and motivation, although Mitch and I did clean the house. The only thing bad about company is their extra stuff they bring (luggage, etc.) clutters the house up. When we get a new house, it will most definitely have a guest room and guest bathroom. I have discovered that while guest rooms are a nice gift to the guest, it is a bigger gift to the homeowners.
I just desperately want to take some time off. Time away. Not sure what I want time away from. Me, I think. I know once I get back to work tomorrow, I will be energized again. Mavis and Kathleen should both be back from vacation.
I actually had a nice conversation with my mom yesterday. It has been a long time since we just talked. About our relationship. About me still be her baby girl. Lately it has been how things are going, how the kids are and how my brothers and sister and their kids are...tense and short conversations. Not that yesterday's was terribly long, but it was a quality conversation.
Zach played 8 plays in his first varsity football game. A big deal for a freshman!!! I am so proud of him! I really didn't think he'd be put in until probably late in the season in a game that didn't much matter. Hayley played clarinet in the marching band at the game. It was a good time. She did a super job. Kayla got her hair cut! The shortest she's ever cut it. Just below her chin. It is cute. I like it better when she leaves it curly instead of when she straightens it.
We bought Baby Mama over the weekend. It is not as good as I had planned on it being. Pretty much all the funny parts were already seen in the trailers. AND I guess I am surprised that everyone is surprised that Tina Fey makes a good Sarah Palin. Did people really not see that coming? I am more surprised she came back to SNL.
More on Sarah Palin...I know I said I liked her, and I still do, but I have to admit that upon further reading her views on conservation and global warming, we are not in alignment. I wouldn't even call her views (on this subject) conservative. I would call them ill-informed and even dangerous. The fact that she is on record saying she can't blame the changes of our environment on humans left me feeling like WTF? How can our gazillion tons of trash and pollution NOT have an effect on our environment??? I am sure she is thinking correlation doesn't necessarily mean causation, but sometimes you just have to use common-sense and err on the side of the greater good.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Pray For
My friends in Texas, several of whom and their families are on the Texas coast. Pray that they make the trek back to their homes safely and to actually FIND their homes still complete.
I am selfishly grateful that my baby girl won't be in college until next year! She has been playing with the idea of going to college in Texas.
However, she still wants to move south or west. Zach plans on going to college in California. So between them, methinks I will be worried about hurricanes, earthquakes, wild fires, landslides, not to mention every day crime and all the partying through the duration of their college experience. Hayley bless her little heart, wants to stay close to mama bear and go to Johnson & Wales here in RI.
I am selfishly grateful that my baby girl won't be in college until next year! She has been playing with the idea of going to college in Texas.
However, she still wants to move south or west. Zach plans on going to college in California. So between them, methinks I will be worried about hurricanes, earthquakes, wild fires, landslides, not to mention every day crime and all the partying through the duration of their college experience. Hayley bless her little heart, wants to stay close to mama bear and go to Johnson & Wales here in RI.
Monday, September 08, 2008
September 8, 2008
Had a great day at the beach with Allison. My only regret is that we didn't know about our little impromptu visit sooner so I could taken a day or two off of work. It will still work out okay. I will be out of work by three tomorrow. So we can do stuff tomorrow night. I will be home by 3 on Wednesday, too. Thursday I have off. Friday and Saturday, home by three. I am also getting married on Saturday.
I also think I may have an ear infection.
I also think I may have an ear infection.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
September 7, 2008
Going, going, going to the beach today! That is Zach, Kayla and I. Mitch has practice and Hayley is supposed to go to Block Island with some friends. Maybe Allison and I will go on Thursday on my day off. That will be a fun thing for us to do. Mitch said he'd get the girls from school if I wanted to do something like that.
I can't wait to see Allison. We are picking her up late tonight.
I can't wait to see Allison. We are picking her up late tonight.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
UGH!
Does the yardman HAVE to block me in my driveway? A little presumptuous of him to park behind either vehicle without asking if anyone in the home was leaving in the next five minutes. Also I think he could park on the side of the road. Whatever.
So I am a Democrat and will likely vote for Obama because this is HISTORY in the making people. How exciting. I come from a generation just after the 60s and feel like I missed out big time, especially when sitting around listening to my parents and their friends talk about what an exciting and empowering time that was. However, I really like Sarah Palin. She is real. She is smart. She is a working mom. Amazing lady. Brilliant brilliant move on McCain's part. This will be one exciting election. I am less excited about McCain. In a perfect world parties wouldn't matter and Obama and Palin could rule the nation together!
I am excited to say my new exercise routine is paying off! In just two weeks, I am back to where I was, but with greater abs, butt and thighs. I have to be careful because my thighs can get bulky, which isn't the look that I am going for, but that is just the way things are. I started gymnastics around the age of 3 and quit in high school, but the "athletic" looking thighs stayed behind!
Okay, off to the beach for a few hours.
So I am a Democrat and will likely vote for Obama because this is HISTORY in the making people. How exciting. I come from a generation just after the 60s and feel like I missed out big time, especially when sitting around listening to my parents and their friends talk about what an exciting and empowering time that was. However, I really like Sarah Palin. She is real. She is smart. She is a working mom. Amazing lady. Brilliant brilliant move on McCain's part. This will be one exciting election. I am less excited about McCain. In a perfect world parties wouldn't matter and Obama and Palin could rule the nation together!
I am excited to say my new exercise routine is paying off! In just two weeks, I am back to where I was, but with greater abs, butt and thighs. I have to be careful because my thighs can get bulky, which isn't the look that I am going for, but that is just the way things are. I started gymnastics around the age of 3 and quit in high school, but the "athletic" looking thighs stayed behind!
Okay, off to the beach for a few hours.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Oh My Goodness!
THIS REALLY WORKS!!! My iPod Nano froze today with a low battery. Which meant no tunes for my RUN! GRRRRR! SO during my run, I was pissed. Pissed with a capital P! If something costs $200 or more, you should be able to use it for a considerable amount of time before it breaks. I was still thinking it was broken. I imagined myself bringing my precious to the Apple store and demanding they fix it right then and there and lots of other imaginings. Because it was frozen, it wasn't recognizing any of my chargers (the car dock, the computer charger and even my wall charger). I went online after my run and there were several webpages about unfreezing your iPod. I guess this is a pretty common problem. Tried their suggestion for a few times and then it unfroze and now is charging happily on my countertop! Ahhhhhh! Problem solved!
It will be all ready for my run tomorrow.
It will be all ready for my run tomorrow.
September 3, 2008
The kiddos go back to school tomorrow. Zach got his official home and away game uniforms for football. He also starts high school tomorrow! Kayla will be a senior tomorrow! WOW-O!!!
I made a new friend today. Jane and I have run into each other at work for the last year, but really haven't had a chance to talk much. We have a lot in common and we both look very similar. All year people have asked if I was her sister and I was like, "No." I guess people have been asking her the same thing! Anyway, she has 4 daughters and we are both the same age. She is also a Christian and actually Mitch and I had run into her at our favorite Christian bookstore in Warwick a few months ago.
Mitch also had an EXTREMELY large delivery of flowers sent to me at work today, with a card telling me to have a happy day. Definitely made up for the bad day I had yesterday, even though he had nothing to do with it!
The girls both have eye doctor appointments tomorrow. I pray all goes well with our insurance. I haven't used this new one and I know my eye doctor in Maine would have accepted this no questions asked and I am sure this new place will accept it too, but I still have some underlying fear that we'll get in there, the appointments will be over and then they will be like, "Ummmm, you have to pay for all of this NOW because your insurance won't cover it!"
So I was one of the 5 million viewers tuning into 90210. Good to see Kelly and Brenda and Nat. Good to see Erin (Silver) grown up. However, I was a bit disappointed that it came on opposite The Secret Life. I couldn't help comparing it to the original 90210. I can't tell you how much of a fan I was and still am of the original series. I used to have 90210 nights at my house every week and my friends would all come over and we'd have snacks and drinks while the kids were in bed. That was back in the day when they had bedtimes at 8 PM. Not sure if I am going to like it or not. It didn't grab me immediately like the original or like The OC or like The Secret Life...all those shows grabbed me in the first episode and I just knew I was addicted. Nothing will ever compare to the episode when Kelly pulls the engagement ring out from under her shirt. Brandon didn't know she was still wearing it on a necklace because she kept it hidden. He had figured she was over him after their engagement ended.
Oh well. I am going running tonight and then I am going to do my workout. I am going to the FREE beach tomorrow while the kids are in school! I don't have to pay again until next season! :)
I made a new friend today. Jane and I have run into each other at work for the last year, but really haven't had a chance to talk much. We have a lot in common and we both look very similar. All year people have asked if I was her sister and I was like, "No." I guess people have been asking her the same thing! Anyway, she has 4 daughters and we are both the same age. She is also a Christian and actually Mitch and I had run into her at our favorite Christian bookstore in Warwick a few months ago.
Mitch also had an EXTREMELY large delivery of flowers sent to me at work today, with a card telling me to have a happy day. Definitely made up for the bad day I had yesterday, even though he had nothing to do with it!
The girls both have eye doctor appointments tomorrow. I pray all goes well with our insurance. I haven't used this new one and I know my eye doctor in Maine would have accepted this no questions asked and I am sure this new place will accept it too, but I still have some underlying fear that we'll get in there, the appointments will be over and then they will be like, "Ummmm, you have to pay for all of this NOW because your insurance won't cover it!"
So I was one of the 5 million viewers tuning into 90210. Good to see Kelly and Brenda and Nat. Good to see Erin (Silver) grown up. However, I was a bit disappointed that it came on opposite The Secret Life. I couldn't help comparing it to the original 90210. I can't tell you how much of a fan I was and still am of the original series. I used to have 90210 nights at my house every week and my friends would all come over and we'd have snacks and drinks while the kids were in bed. That was back in the day when they had bedtimes at 8 PM. Not sure if I am going to like it or not. It didn't grab me immediately like the original or like The OC or like The Secret Life...all those shows grabbed me in the first episode and I just knew I was addicted. Nothing will ever compare to the episode when Kelly pulls the engagement ring out from under her shirt. Brandon didn't know she was still wearing it on a necklace because she kept it hidden. He had figured she was over him after their engagement ended.
Oh well. I am going running tonight and then I am going to do my workout. I am going to the FREE beach tomorrow while the kids are in school! I don't have to pay again until next season! :)
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
LONG DAY
Oh my holy goodness! Is the end of the world near? Please say yes!
I love my job. I love most of the people I work with. I even LIKE the person behind all of the trouble at work but I don't know how much longer I can take this. I am currently looking at new jobs. I am going to try and hang in and see if this situation either gets better, or something better comes along.
One good thing about the day was a conversation I had with a lady whom I have befriended. She is an older woman with grandkids and you would probably think we have nothing in common except our jobs, from appearances alone, we could not be greater opposites, but my Lord is a wonderful Lord and has brought this woman into my life. She mentors for TAM (Turning Around Ministries), which is a faith-based community outreach program designed to offer after-care services to previously incarcerated persons, providing holistic, personalized guidance and support with employment, education, housing, food, clothing, substance abuse and personal development. They are currently trying to get mentoring help for the children of their clients, and hello!!! THAT is what I was doing at my job previous to the one I am at now!!! They desperately need volunteers, especially ones with my qualifications. Despite all the bad stuff going on at work today, I loved this conversation! I love the possibilities and I loved having my passion for what I used to do shine through like it did today. It did many things for me. It reminded me of what I have to offer. It reminded me that a lot of these things are in the Lord's hands and it also reminded me of His will for my life.
And another positive about today...you find out who your true friends are fast. I am so lucky that the ladies and gentlemen that I work with care so much about this job and the people we support. They really came thru for me today and made me feel so much better. And to Pete, Sue and Robert...and Matt...thanks for making me smile today, even though that was hard for me to do a lot of the time.
I have such a headache from crying a good part of the day. Honestly, I am just feeling overworked. My job is not easy. It is extremely mentally draining with a high burn-out rate. Throw in some employee hostility and you have a recipe for MIGRAINE! I hate feeling like whatever decision you make is going to be the wrong one or will make at least one person angry. I hate not having confidence that I am going to make the right decision. I also think unfortunately this is what you find in workplaces with a lot of assistant managers, and house managers and upper administration. What you find is a situation where people are so absorbed with their own power they don't mind stepping on toes but you better NOT step on theirs!!! What makes it even more difficult is when some of these people are all on vacation, so subordinates are stepping up, as told, and making decisions, only to then be told they aren't authorized to make said decision. Undermines the entire process and creates stress among those of us who happen to just want to come in and do their job.
BUT I guess this is the start to the new (old) me. I am no longer going to just let things slide. I will confront a situation as it is happening. I will blog about what I want, when I want, and not censor myself for the sake of friendships. I have cut my losses as far as toxic relationships go.
I have the most amazing man in the world who loves and supports everything about me. I have amazing children. I have an amazing dog. My life is wonderful despite the craziness.
I love my job. I love most of the people I work with. I even LIKE the person behind all of the trouble at work but I don't know how much longer I can take this. I am currently looking at new jobs. I am going to try and hang in and see if this situation either gets better, or something better comes along.
One good thing about the day was a conversation I had with a lady whom I have befriended. She is an older woman with grandkids and you would probably think we have nothing in common except our jobs, from appearances alone, we could not be greater opposites, but my Lord is a wonderful Lord and has brought this woman into my life. She mentors for TAM (Turning Around Ministries), which is a faith-based community outreach program designed to offer after-care services to previously incarcerated persons, providing holistic, personalized guidance and support with employment, education, housing, food, clothing, substance abuse and personal development. They are currently trying to get mentoring help for the children of their clients, and hello!!! THAT is what I was doing at my job previous to the one I am at now!!! They desperately need volunteers, especially ones with my qualifications. Despite all the bad stuff going on at work today, I loved this conversation! I love the possibilities and I loved having my passion for what I used to do shine through like it did today. It did many things for me. It reminded me of what I have to offer. It reminded me that a lot of these things are in the Lord's hands and it also reminded me of His will for my life.
And another positive about today...you find out who your true friends are fast. I am so lucky that the ladies and gentlemen that I work with care so much about this job and the people we support. They really came thru for me today and made me feel so much better. And to Pete, Sue and Robert...and Matt...thanks for making me smile today, even though that was hard for me to do a lot of the time.
I have such a headache from crying a good part of the day. Honestly, I am just feeling overworked. My job is not easy. It is extremely mentally draining with a high burn-out rate. Throw in some employee hostility and you have a recipe for MIGRAINE! I hate feeling like whatever decision you make is going to be the wrong one or will make at least one person angry. I hate not having confidence that I am going to make the right decision. I also think unfortunately this is what you find in workplaces with a lot of assistant managers, and house managers and upper administration. What you find is a situation where people are so absorbed with their own power they don't mind stepping on toes but you better NOT step on theirs!!! What makes it even more difficult is when some of these people are all on vacation, so subordinates are stepping up, as told, and making decisions, only to then be told they aren't authorized to make said decision. Undermines the entire process and creates stress among those of us who happen to just want to come in and do their job.
BUT I guess this is the start to the new (old) me. I am no longer going to just let things slide. I will confront a situation as it is happening. I will blog about what I want, when I want, and not censor myself for the sake of friendships. I have cut my losses as far as toxic relationships go.
I have the most amazing man in the world who loves and supports everything about me. I have amazing children. I have an amazing dog. My life is wonderful despite the craziness.
Monday, September 01, 2008
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